Residents out and about in Helensburgh last week were treated with surprice book gifts ahead of the town's upcoming celebration of literature.
To mark World Book Day, Helensburgh Community Hub and Jean's Bothy went to Colquhoun Square to surprise passers-by with free wrapped-up books.
More book gifts were handed out at Helensburgh and Lomond Carers Centre, Colgrain Primary School and Hermitage Academy – where some of this year’s Reading Minds festival events are taking place.
Books were handed out as part of World Book Day celebrations
Books were handed out as part of World Book Day celebrations
Books were handed out as part of World Book Day celebrations
Hermitage Academy teacher Cailean Steed, who is also author of their first novel Home, said: “When an author visits a school, they bring a range of wonderful benefits for the pupils - research by the National Literacy Trust shows that children who've experienced an author visit are more likely to enjoy reading and writing, are more likely to feel confident in their reading, and are even more likely to read above the expected level for their age.
“This is to say nothing of the excitement and inspiration that comes from meeting an author in real life, and demonstrating to children the importance of creativity and imagination.”
The Reading Minds Helensburgh Book Festival will kick off on Friday, March 22, with a book quiz after author Roger Hutchinson had to pull out for health reasons.
Instead there will be welcoming drinks followed by a fun fund-raising quiz with some great prizes up for grabs.
Books were handed out as part of World Book Day celebrations
Books were handed out as part of World Book Day celebrations
Books were handed out as part of World Book Day celebrations
Some of the book festival events are already sold out, including a talk by former police officer Karen Campbell in the drawing room of Hill House.
But tickets are still available for workshops and sessions including the finale on Sunday, March 24 at 2pm, featuring three fabulous Scottish authors, Kirstin Innes, Rachelle Attalla and Eleanor Thom.
Books were handed out as part of World Book Day celebrations
Colgrain Primary's Reading Ambassadors handed out books at the end of the school day
There will also be a free bus operating from various points around town between the festival sessions to ensure that anyone without transport can still enjoy coming to events.
More details of timings and pick up points will be available soon.
For more information and to book search for ‘Helensburgh Book Festival’ on Eventbrite.co.uk or contact manager@helensburghcommunityhub.org.uk.
(Pictures courtesy of Helensburgh Community Hub)
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